Sanford, Maine: 10 Short Road Trips for Easy Weekend Escapes

on

10 Easy Road Trips Near Sanford, Maine (That Take You Out of York County)

If you’re based in Sanford, Maine and itching to get out of town for the day, you’re in a perfect spot. In under two hours you can reach mountains, lakes, beaches, and some of New England’s coolest small cities. Below are 10 short out-of-county road trips from Sanford that take you into nearby counties in Maine and New Hampshire: Cumberland and Oxford in Maine, and Carroll, Strafford, and Rockingham in New Hampshire. Each trip is close enough for a simple day out, but fun enough that you might want to stay the night.

1. Portland, Maine: Foodie Day on the Waterfront (Cumberland County)

Portland is about a 1-hour drive from Sanford and feels like a totally different world. It’s one of the most popular spots in Maine for a reason.
  • Stroll the cobblestone streets of the Old Port
  • Grab a lobster roll from a waterfront shack
  • Visit the Portland Museum of Art
  • Walk the Eastern Promenade for harbor views
If you like craft beer, this is your place. Portland is packed with breweries where you can try small pours or flights. If you’re not into beer, there are plenty of coffee shops and bakeries instead. I still remember the first time I walked down to the water here on a foggy morning. The fishing boats, the smell of salt in the air, and a hot coffee in my hand—it felt like a movie scene. Driving tip: Parking in the Old Port can get tight on weekends, so consider using a garage a few blocks away and walking in.

2. Freeport, Maine: Outlet Shopping & Coastal Walks (Cumberland County)

About 1 hour and 15 minutes from Sanford, Freeport is best known for its outlets and the famous flagship L.L.Bean store that’s open 24/7.
  • Shop outlets for clothes, shoes, and outdoor gear
  • Visit the giant L.L.Bean boot for a fun photo
  • Explore nearby Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park
  • Grab a whoopie pie or blueberry treat from a local bakery
If you’re looking for things to do near Sanford, Maine that mix shopping and nature, Freeport is a winner. You can spend the morning hunting for deals, then take a short drive to the water for an easy coastal hike. Family tip: L.L.Bean often has free or low-cost outdoor classes and events. Check their schedule before you go.

3. Sebago Lake: Classic Maine Lake Day (Cumberland County)

Want a laid-back day at the lake? Head about 1 hour and 15 minutes northwest to Sebago Lake, one of the largest lakes in Maine.
  • Swim or relax on the beach at Sebago Lake State Park
  • Rent a kayak, canoe, or small boat
  • Pack a picnic and enjoy shady spots under the trees
  • Watch the sunset over the water before driving back
On a hot summer day, this is the kind of place where time slows down. Bring a cooler, some camp chairs, and maybe a good book. If you have kids, they can splash in the shallow areas while you chill out nearby. Pack list: beach towels, sunscreen, bug spray (this is Maine), and some cash for park entry.

4. North Conway, New Hampshire: Mountain Town Adventure (Carroll County)

If you like the idea of outlets plus mountain views, North Conway is your spot. It’s roughly a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Sanford, depending on your route.
  • Shop the outlets along Route 16
  • Ride the Conway Scenic Railroad (great with kids)
  • Hike easy trails near Diana’s Baths or Echo Lake
  • Enjoy mountain views from almost anywhere in town
This area is gorgeous in fall, but it’s fun year-round. In summer, you’ll find hikers, swimmers, and families. In winter, skiers head to nearby slopes. I once spent an afternoon here doing nothing more than walking around with an ice cream, watching the clouds roll over the mountains. Simple, but memorable. Driving note: Routes into North Conway can be busy on peak foliage weekends, so plan extra time in October.

5. Fryeburg, Maine: Fairs, Farms & River Views (Oxford County)

Fryeburg is about a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from Sanford, just across the border from New Hampshire and not far from North Conway.
  • Float or paddle on the Saco River
  • Check out local farm stands and ice cream spots
  • In fall, visit the famous Fryeburg Fair (a huge local event)
  • Take a slow country drive through backroads and fields
If you’re hunting for low-key things to do near Sanford that still feel like a “real” getaway, Fryeburg is a good pick. It’s calm, scenic, and feels very “classic New England.” River tip: If you want to float the river, look for rental companies that include tubes, life jackets, and a shuttle.

6. Bridgton, Maine: Small Town, Big Lakes (Oxford County)

Bridgton sits about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Sanford and doesn’t always hit the big travel lists—yet that’s part of the charm.
  • Swim or relax at Highland Lake Beach or Long Lake
  • Catch a movie at the historic Magic Lantern Theater
  • Walk Main Street and pop into local shops
  • In winter, ski or snowboard at nearby Shawnee Peak (Pleasant Mountain)
Bridgton is the sort of place where you can park the car once and just wander. There’s a laid-back, local feel here that makes it perfect for a quiet day trip from Sanford. Pro move: Plan a late afternoon arrival and stay for sunset over the lake. The colors can be incredible on a clear evening.

7. Portsmouth, New Hampshire: Historic Seaport Vibes (Rockingham County)

About a 1-hour drive from Sanford, Portsmouth is one of the best coastal towns in New England and an easy road trip from southern Maine.
  • Walk the brick-lined streets downtown
  • Visit the Strawbery Banke Museum for living history
  • Eat fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant
  • Relax in Prescott Park with harbor views
It’s a great mix of history, food, and scenery. Think old houses, cute shops, and lots of places to sit outside on a nice day. Parking tip: Use one of the city garages rather than circling for a street spot; it’s usually easier and less stressful.

8. Hampton Beach, New Hampshire: Boardwalk & Ocean Waves (Rockingham County)

When you want a true beach day, head to Hampton Beach, about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Sanford.
  • Swim or body surf in the Atlantic Ocean
  • Walk the boardwalk for arcades, shops, and fried dough
  • Catch live music or fireworks in summer
  • Let the kids burn off energy in the sand and surf
This is a louder, livelier vibe than many Maine beaches—more classic boardwalk energy. If you grew up going to places like this, it might feel a bit nostalgic. Beach basics: Bring chairs, an umbrella, plenty of water, and a change of clothes so you’re not driving home in damp beachwear.

9. Dover, New Hampshire: Kid-Friendly City Escape (Strafford County)

Dover is only about a 45–50 minute drive from Sanford, making it one of the closer road trips on this list.
  • Visit the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (great for younger kids)
  • Walk along the Cocheco River and enjoy the downtown area
  • Grab lunch at a local cafe or pub
  • Check out small shops and bookstores
If you have kids and you’re asking, “What can we do today that’s easy from Sanford?” Dover is a strong answer. It’s small, manageable, and has plenty to fill a half day or more. Rainy day idea: Combine the Children’s Museum with a relaxed lunch, and you’ve got a simple, low-stress outing.

10. Rochester & the Lakes Region Gateway (Strafford County)

Rochester, New Hampshire is about a 40-minute drive from Sanford and works as a nice “gateway” to the Lakes Region.
  • Explore downtown Rochester’s cafes and shops
  • Catch a show at the Rochester Opera House if timing lines up
  • Drive a bit farther north toward Milton or the smaller lakes for quiet water views
  • Use it as a jumping-off point for deeper Lakes Region adventures
While Rochester itself is pretty low-key, that’s what makes it a stress-free trip. It’s close, easy to navigate, and gives you a change of scenery from southern Maine. Quick win: Pair Rochester with a drive around nearby backroads for foliage viewing in fall.

Planning Your Road Trips from Sanford, Maine

To make the most of these out-of-county day trips from Sanford, keep a few simple tips in mind:
  • Check driving times: Most of these are within 40–80 miles, but traffic and seasons can change how long it takes.
  • Look at the weather: Coastal trips like Portland and Hampton Beach are very weather-dependent.
  • Pack a “go bag”: Keep a small bag in your car with sunscreen, bug spray, reusable water bottles, and light jackets.
  • Start early: You’ll beat some of the crowds and have more time to explore.
These day trips give you a taste of everything: lakes, mountains, beaches, small towns, and vibrant little cities—all without going too far from home.

Share Your Favorite Road Trip from Sanford

Have you taken any of these short road trips near Sanford, Maine? Did I miss one of your favorite spots in Cumberland, Oxford, Carroll, Rockingham, or Strafford County?
  • Drop a comment with your favorite day trip idea.
  • Share this post with friends or family who live near Sanford and are always asking, “What should we do this weekend?”
Your tips and stories help other travelers find new places to explore—so don’t be shy. Where’s your next drive going to be?
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment